THE EDITOR, Sir:
RABIES RISK was the headline in February 17th edition of Sunday Observer. The article went on to say that because Jamaica is rabies-free, importation of the vaccines for both pets and humans is not allowed (even though dogs are believed to be entering the country illegally and it would only take one to bring rabies into the island).
Does someone have to get bitten by a rabid dog or even die before these vaccines become available? We need to be able to protect both human lives and the lives of our domestic animals from this deadly disease.
In February 2000, the UK introduced a scheme called PETS allowing pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they met the required conditions. Since January 31, 2001 Jamaica has been on that list but because it doesn't carry the necessary rabies vaccine, sadly, pets from Jamaica cannot qualify for this wonderful privilege. Their only entry or re-entry into the UK is by spending six months in quarantine and this long separation is very traumatic for pets and their owners as well as being very expensive.
If an individual wishing to take their pet to UK is willing to comply with the necessary procedures at their own expense and import the microchip and rabies vaccine, (which isn't a live culture) why won't the Veterinary Division agree to this?
How much longer are the authorities going to use an antiquated law as an excuse for keeping the vaccines out of the island to the detriment of pets, their owners and the veterinary profession?
I am, etc.,
SANDRA BUTLER,
5 Carmel Crescent,
Kingston 8
